Georgia Secures First-Round Bye in Latest College Football Playoff Projections

The College Football Playoff race is really starting to sizzle as the regular season winds down. With every weekend, pivotal games are shaking up bowl projections and the playoff outlook in ways nobody quite expected.

Oklahoma’s bounce-back, Georgia’s relentless streak, and Alabama’s high-wire act are just a few of the stories grabbing attention right now. So, let’s take a closer look at where things stand and what it all might mean for the teams fighting for a postseason spot.

Oklahoma’s Pivotal Victory Over Alabama

In what felt like a playoff elimination game, the 11th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners put together their best showing of the year, knocking off the fourth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. That win not only snapped Bama’s eight-game hot streak, but also vaulted Oklahoma ahead of Texas and Notre Dame in the chase.

Oklahoma’s defense, with Brent Venables calling the shots, really showed up. Their edge in game control and strength of schedule is hard to ignore right now.

Implications for Oklahoma

With this win, Oklahoma’s bowl projections look a whole lot brighter. They’re now expected to finish 10-2, moving up to No. 9 in the rankings.

Suddenly, the Sooners are in the driver’s seat and could snag an at-large bid. Not a bad turnaround for a team that looked shaky earlier on.

• Current Ranking: No. 9
• Projected Record: 10-2
• Key Wins: Alabama, Texas

Georgia’s Dominance Continues

Georgia just keeps rolling. Their convincing win over the 10th-ranked Texas Longhorns has locked them in as one of the nation’s top teams.

The Bulldogs have rattled off six straight wins and look ready to defend their SEC crown. If Alabama slips up against Auburn or Texas beats Texas A&M, Georgia could even snag a first-round playoff bye.

Path to the SEC Championship

Georgia’s only stumble this year came against Alabama way back in September. But with their current record and a real shot to win out, things are looking up.

If they finish 11-1, a top-four seed and a first-round bye feel pretty likely. Not set in stone, but it’s hard to bet against them at this point.

• Current Ranking: No. 4
• Projected Record: 11-1
• Key Wins: Texas, Georgia Tech

Alabama’s Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy

Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma has thrown their playoff hopes into question. Now, the Crimson Tide absolutely have to beat Auburn in rivalry week to keep their SEC Championship dreams alive.

If they slip up against the Tigers, things get messy—maybe even hopeless for a playoff spot. There’s a lot riding on every snap from here on out.

High Stakes for Alabama

If Alabama can get past Auburn, they’ll likely punch their ticket to the league title game. But a misstep against Texas A&M? That could be the end of the road for any first-round bye talk.

Honestly, every game feels like do-or-die for them now. The margin for error is basically gone.

• Current Ranking: No. 6
• Projected Record: 10-3
• Key Games: Auburn, Texas A&M

Other Contenders and Scenarios

Oklahoma, Georgia, and Alabama are hogging the headlines, but there are other teams lurking in the playoff conversation. Ohio State, Texas A&M, Indiana—each has its own path, and none are out of the running yet.

Ohio State: The Dominant Buckeyes

Ohio State keeps flexing its muscles, though some folks wonder if their lack of close games will come back to bite them. The Buckeyes are set to face Michigan and Indiana in matchups that’ll shape their playoff fate.

• Current Ranking: No. 1
• Projected Record: 12-0
• Key Games: Michigan, Indiana

Texas A&M: The Comeback Kings

Texas A&M’s wild comeback against South Carolina has put them in a great spot for the SEC Championship. The Aggies are still unbeaten and just need a win over Texas to lock up their title game spot.

That kind of resilience? It’s tough to count them out, no matter who they face.

• Current Ranking: No. 2
• Projected Record: 12-0
• Key Games: Texas

Indiana: The Heisman Frontrunner’s Team

Indiana’s got the Heisman frontrunner, Fernando Mendoza, and he keeps leading the Hoosiers to win after win. With just one game left—Purdue—they’re staring at an unbeaten regular season.

The looming showdown with Ohio State in the Big Ten title game? That’s the one everyone’s circling on the calendar. It could define the season for both teams.

• Current Ranking: No. 3
• Projected Record: 12-0
• Key Games: Purdue, Ohio State

The College Football Playoff race feels more unpredictable than ever. Several teams are still in the mix, all fighting for a postseason spot.

Oklahoma’s making a real push. Georgia keeps rolling, and Alabama’s got so much on the line this year.

With just a few weeks left, every single game seems to matter more than the last. Honestly, who knows how this will shake out?

If you want a closer look at the latest bowl projections and playoff scenarios, check out the full article on CBS Sports.